How The Termite Inspection Process Works
Homeowners often call termites “silent destroyers” because these pests inflict major damage on buildings while people remain oblivious until the harm becomes extensive. In fact, homeowners across the U.S. spend 5 billion dollars each year on termite damage repairs, which is why termite inspections are important.
So, what does a termite inspection consist of? Why go for an inspection at all? In this blog, you will find answers to these questions. It will help you if you are buying or selling a home, or for the upkeep and safety of your existing home.
Homeowners often call termites “silent destroyers” because these pests inflict major damage on buildings while people remain oblivious until the harm becomes extensive. In fact, homeowners across the U.S. spend 5 billion dollars each year on termite damage repairs, which is why termite inspections are important.
So, what does a termite inspection consist of? Why go for an inspection at all? In this blog, you will find answers to these questions. It will help you if you are buying or selling a home, or for the upkeep and safety of your existing home.
What is A Termite Inspection
A termite inspection is a comprehensive assessment of your property to identify any signs of termite activity. It is a preventative measure for your home’s protection against termites. Certified professional pest controllers perform inspections because they can detect termites that hide beyond sight and possess the expertise needed for termite detection.
Despite their tiny size, termites can inflict heavy damage. Their strength lies in numbers. They destroy wood materials, flooring, and wallpaper, damaging the home structure. Since termites are often hidden inside walls, foundations, or crawlspaces, a regular termite inspection is the best way to catch an infestation early.
Why Is A Termite Inspection Important
A termite inspection should be a regular feature of your home maintenance. It is especially recommended when you are buying or selling a house. It protects your home’s safety and longevity and reduces damage.
If you’re buying a home, most lenders and real estate agents will require a termite inspection before finalizing the sale. Annual inspections of your property will help you discover termite problems at an early stage, which may help avoid substantial repair expenses that reach thousands of dollars.
The Termite Inspection Process: What To Expect
Now that you understand the importance of a termite inspection, let’s look at the typical process. The termite inspection follows the same procedures irrespective of the termite type, like dry wood or subterranean. Here’s how it works:
Contact A Pest Control Company
It starts with contacting the pest control service to schedule the examination. A pest control company requires basic information about your home, like dimensions, age, and previous termite infestation history. This information enables the inspector to prepare better for the examination.
Exterior Inspection
The pest inspector starts by conducting an outside examination of your house. They evaluate the foundation, the siding, and the property’s landscaping. During the examination, the inspector seeks evidence of termite damage, including:
- Mud tubes (a common sign of subterranean termites)
- Wooden structures may show holes and tunnels.
- Discolored or damaged wood
The inspection search includes areas where wood meets the ground, as it is generally moist, and termites love such places.
Interior Inspection
The inspector will conduct the subsequent inspection inside the house. The inspection includes examining the basement, crawlspace, attic, and all wooden structures on the property. The inspectors use a moisture meter and infrared camera to search for secret termite colonies and wet areas that draw such pests.
During the inspection, the professional looks for indications of termite destruction, which may manifest as the following:
- Hollowed-out wood
- Buckling or warped wood
- Frass (termite droppings, which look like sawdust)
Identification Of Termite Species
Not all termites are identical, so part of the termite inspection process involves identifying which termite species has infested your home. Treatment methods depend on which species of termites exist on your property. Drywood termites stay within the wood they attack, and subterranean termites construct tunnels to reach the wood they feast on.
Providing The Report
After the inspection, the pest control company generates an exhaustive report containing its inspection results. The company will provide different treatment suggestions depending on the extent of the termite infestation and the cost of any such treatment.
Treatment Options After A Termite Inspection
Some common methods to eliminate termites include:
- Applying liquid termiticide around the home foundation to exterminate termites.
- Installing termite baits throughout the house to attract termites, which then take the poison back to the colony.
- Fumigation may be required for intense drywood termite infestations that require the destruction of the colony.
- The method of treatment will be determined by the extent of infestation as well as the specific type of termite that resides in the area.
How Often Should You Get A Termite Inspection
A termite inspection depends on several factors, including the age of your home and whether you’ve had termite issues. Generally, it’s a good idea to schedule a termite inspection at least once a year, particularly if you live in an area prone to termite infestations.
People buying a new house should have an inspection before buying or moving in. Getting an early termite detection enables homeowners to prevent costly expenses and headaches due to termite damage.
Signs You Need A Termite Inspection
Even if you don’t have an annual inspection, there are a few signs that indicate you may need a termite inspection:
- When you tap on a wooden surface, it produces a hollow resonance.
- You notice mud tubes around the walls and the foundation.
- You see tiny holes and cracks on wood surfaces.
- Exterior wood surfaces show visible damage, such as peeling paint, which might indicate a termite problem.
If any of these signs appear, it’s time to contact a professional for a termite inspection.
Conclusion
A termite inspection is a critical part of maintaining a safe and secure home. Early detection of termite infestation enables you to avoid costly expenses while stopping their destructive progression. A basic systematic examination will allow you to keep your home free from harmful pests.Contact expert pest control services immediately if you suspect termite infestation or seek reliable termite control solutions. Inspect 360 offers expert termite inspection services to give you peace of mind. Contact us right now to schedule an inspection.